Ryan Jackson left school at 15, had started his own business by 21 and at 26 decided it was time for a career change.
And just a few months ago, after completing the Certificate III and IV in Fitness at UOW College, Ryan registered himself as a sole trader, and is now doing what he loves.
It was after a serious car accident in his early 20s which saw him have to learn how to walk again following extensive reconstructive surgery on his leg, that Ryan discovered his passion for health and fitness.
His belief in the benefits of physical training to improve health outcomes was strengthened after helping his mother with her own health journey and it was then that he decided to put his landscaping and concreting business to one side and retrain.
“My decision to change careers was really an accumulation of things,” Ryan said.
“My mum had a lot of health concerns over the past four years and then I had a big car accident. It made me realise how people take physical health for granted.
“I wanted to learn how to put my body back together and I found I had a passion for training and movement, and I wanted to share the benefits of my experience with other people.”
Ryan heard about UOW College through one of the trainers at the gym he attended, and he decided the time was right to follow his dream.
“He told me the UOW College course was fast-paced and something that I could still fit around my landscaping business,” Ryan said.
“I was 26, and knew I wanted a change in direction so I decided to see if I could make it work.”
Ryan said although it was sometimes difficult juggling work and study commitments, the staff and students at the College made the experience supportive and one he will not forget.
“Coming into the College campus and completing practicals and meeting like-minded people who were invested in learning was perhaps the most enjoyable part,” Ryan said.
“It made it feel like we were in it together and not just doing it on your own. And the trainers were great. I really bonded with them.
“There were a few ups and downs, as it was hard to study while still running my business. But the staff were always supportive and there was constant communication. If I was stressed or behind with things, they would always be willing to listen.”
Ryan was lucky to be able to do his work placement at his regular gym and said, combined with his own self-learning, it allowed him to get the most out of the UOW College experience.
As soon as he’d finished the course, Ryan was employed in the industry and had put the foundations of his own business in place.
“I’m also going to continue with further study and am doing course in holistic lifestyle coaching and another course around the integrity of movement,” he said.
“I’m excited as I am moving forward into a different niche of personal training. It’s not conventional weight training but more yoga-based movement.
“I have a full-time gig at Jungle Brothers Gym doing a range of classes from ice baths to partner stretching and one-on-one personal training.
“I’m going to immerse myself in this and build my skills as a coach with the aim of eventually opening my own space.”
Interested in studying a UOW College Fitness course? Find out more.
Ryan Jackson
Certificate III and IV in Fitness